Etihad Airways has announced its partnership with World Champion Esports Team Nigma.
Nigma was founded by The International 7 champions and will be the first team to be sponsored by an airline.
Through the sponsorship, Etihad will assist the team and their support staff with travel for their global schedule.
Amina Taher, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorships at Etihad Airways said, "The gaming industry is rapidly gaining prominence, and in line with Abu Dhabi’s investment in the industry, Etihad is proud to lead the way and be the first major global airline to partner with an esports team. This is another proof point of our industry-leading approach to sports sponsorships."
In order to enhance Abu Dhabi's gaming and esports environment with the help of twofour54, the team will relocate to Abu Dhabi in collaboration with AD Gaming.
The partnership will additionally further the team’s position as one of the leading esports organisations, with a chance to grow within the industry.
Christoph Timm, Co-Founder of Team Nigma said, "We are grateful that Etihad Airways committed to a long-term partnership, especially during these testing times. Like us, Etihad believes in supporting and developing new upcoming talents from the region and sees esports as a major industry for the region."The amount of support they have already shown us is admirable. This is just the beginning of our journey together, and we look forward to more unique activations in the future."